Queensland is the large territory encompassing northwest Australia. The warm, coastal city of Cairns is a jumping off place for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, fabulous Daintree Rainforest, and other notable destinations.

You are there—

Lizard Island: As a friend of Off the Beaten Path, take advantage of the rare chance to visit Lizard Island Research Station, an internationally recognized facility focused on protecting coral reef systems.

Great Barrier Reef: Immerse yourself in the brilliant underwater world of the planet’s largest coral reef, with 400 kinds of coral, 1,500 species of fish, and 4,000 types of mollusk.

Daintree Rainforest: Hike Mossman Gorge and explore the incredible Daintree Rainforest—the oldest and arguably most diverse rainforest in the world, where the very evolution of Australia’s plant life is recorded.